Hallmark Channel’s third NFL-focused Christmas movie is set in Chicago.
On Thursday, the network announced Holiday Touchdown: A Bear’s Love Story would premiere as part of 2026’s Countdown to Christmas event. The film – the cast of which has not yet been announced – follows the 2024s Holiday Touchdown: A Chief’s Love Story and The 2025s Holiday Touchdown: A Bill’s Love Story.
Chicago Bears team up with Hallmark for Christmas movie
Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland shared the news in an Instagram video.
“This one is for the fans and everyone who rides with us in Bear Nation,” Loveland said.
In a statement, Kevin Warren, president and CEO of Chicago Bearssaid the team was “honored, grateful and excited” to work with Hallmark, Skydance Sports and NFL Films on the upcoming film.
“Continually looking for ways to connect with our passionate Chicago Bears fans and amplify our global brand in creative ways, we will give our club and our fans the opportunity to grow together by creating a special, meaningful film,” he said.
“Few fan bases carry their team’s history like Chicago carries the Bears, a devotion passed down from generation to generation,” said Jessica Matthews, SVP of Film and TV at Skydance Sports.
Fans have suggestions for the plot of Hallmark’s next NFL movie
Reaction to the film announcement on social media was mixed. On the Hallmark official Instagramsome commentators said they were thrilled.
“The Bears AND a Hallmark movie?! Christmas dreams come true,” one person wrote.
But others took the opportunity to make a crack about the Bears’ plans to leave their longtime home at Soldier Field for a new stadium.
“I hope it’s a story about a player who falls in love with a council person and she LOVES SOLDIER FIELD and Christmas,” one person wrote.
The Bears have made it clear they intend to leave the iconic but outdated facility on Lake Michigan just south of downtown. (Soldier Field is the oldest stadium in the NFL and has the second-smallest capacity.) The team planned to build a new stadium on a site it owns in suburban Arlington Heights, but that project has been stalled by a dispute over tax breaks. Recently, the team has threatened to leave Illinois altogether for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, about 20 miles from downtown Chicago. The debate has dragged on for months, much to the frustration of fans.
“Is this filmed in Hammond?” one person laughed.
Some joked that the situation should be incorporated into the plot of the new film.
“Star-crossed lovers: She’s from Arlington Heights and he’s from Hammond,” wrote one.
“He runs a Christmas tree farm on top of a slag heap in Hammond,” suggested another. “She returns home from her corporate law job in Arlington Heights. Her firm is working on the eminent domain case to take his land for the Bears’ new stadium. Will true love and Christmas spirit prevail?!”
Others just wanted their beloved team to stay in the Windy City.
“The love story we all want – falling in love with the city and skyline that loves you,” one person commented.
For more news and exclusive interviews, stay tuned Showbiz Cheat Sheets Instagram.
Leave a Reply